Smart casual outfits with dark wash bootcut jeans have been working well for me here in Vilnius, but I've realized that at evening activities people seem to be dressed a bit nicer. And, as I've already noted, women my age don't usually wear jeans during day -- much less at night even for things that I think of as smart casual activities. I have a plaid wool skirt, which I've used the few times I needed to be dressed a bit nicer but my options are pretty limited with that skirt. This wardrobe gap also reflects that fact that I got rid of most of my dresses and skirts after losing weight and haven't replaced that part of my wardrobe yet. So today I did a bit of shopping in downtown Vilnius (or the city center as they would say).

There are a number of stores that I knew -- Zara, Mango, United Colors of Benetton and Marks & Spencer's. There are a few stores that carry high end designer brands and a few stores that carry brands that are probably European brands I am unfamiliar with. Clothes are actually quite expensive here. I think of Zara as affordable fashion so I was surprised to see the prices on their spring collection that is now is the store. Fortunately I was shopping the sale racks since it will be winter here for a while longer. I found two dresses at Mango that were drastically reduced.

A gray sweater dress -- worn here over a purple turtleneck; obviously it needs to be accessorized; I am planning to also wear it over a button-down shirt. Unfortunately I think this dress needs a slip and I don't think I brought mine. It may still be in the box with summer clothes, I'll look tonight. If not, I hope that finding a slip in Lithuania won't be as difficult as finding one in the US!
http://i514.photobucket.com/al.....G_0624.jpg

A purple sheath dress -- please tell me if this looks too tight; it felt a bit snug when I tried it on but I was wearing long underwear and a thick turtleneck sweater at the time; I figured that it would fit just fine with a lighter-weight layer underneath. It is form-fitting and I won't be able to wear it if I gain weight but it doesn't feel tight. However, I definitely want opinions on it. Again, I am planning to also wear it with a white button-down shirt as well.
http://i514.photobucket.com/al.....G_0625.jpg

You'll see a slightly different hairstyle as well. I think one of the worst things about moving is finding a new hairstylist. My neighbor recommended someone and I went today for a haircut. The hard water here is wreaking havoc on my hair, making it feel heavy and limp. I hope that adding more layers will make it easier to style and look better. Not a major change but still something a bit different.